Like a lot of guys my age — or just guys in general I guess — I have been a Bond fan since I was a boy. Who could resist that cool as ice attitude, those sweet cars, the slick gadgets, traveling the globe and of course the amazing women. Over the years, the James Bond franchise has been up and down featuring a number of actors as Agent 007. Even the new “reboot”, only two movies in, has been good and — well not so good. The latest, “Skyfall”, however, may just be one of Bond’s best flick to date.
“Skyfall” is the 23rd James Bond movie going back to “Dr. No” in 1962. Daniel Craig returns as the 007 for his third outing, continuing the new trend of a slightly more violent and aggressive but also emotionally vulnerable MI6 spy. The new flick picks up with Bond on a mission with a fellow female agent, Eve, played by Naomie Harris. Things go wrong and Bond is presumed dead by MI6 and its fearless leader, M (Dame Judi Dench). This disaster has also triggered a probe into the workings of MI6. Enter Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), who is investigating M’s ability to continue to lead MI6 as they become under attack by a maniacal villain known as Silva (Javier Bardem).
It doesn’t take long before Bond resurfaces ready to get back to action. But months of being “dead” hasn’t done much for maintaining his skills. This is James Bond though and nothing is going to keep him from defending his country and his Queen. Damaged emotionally and physically, Bond goes after Silva, who has a personal vendetta against M and MI6, with ferocity. The battle of wits leads him to reach into his past to ensure his survival against a determined villain. Giving Bond a back story is something that has never really been done and helps ground the spy, helping us to see that behind the womanizing mad man, there is a human being who at one time was just a boy.
Craig is awesome but it’s the supporting cast that really helps sell this one. Javier Bardem plays Silva with the cunning of Hannibal Lecter. He’s a true villain who isn’t out to rule the world like most other Bond villains. His plan is simple and you believe he is willing to die for what he is trying to do. Judi Dench is fantastic as well. She will definitely get some consideration for an Oscar this time around. There is also some new characters added. Q, the gadget expert finally makes an appearance in the form of Ben Whishaw for a few fun scenes with Craig. There are a few other surprises that I won’t spoil as well.
Unfortunately, the quintessential Bond, Sir Sean Connery, has seen his image sullied lately. Since the “Austin Powers” movies came out spoofing Bond and the spy genre, it’s become a little more difficult to watch those old James Bond adventures and take them seriously. It’s sad really. The good news is that the Bond franchise is in better hands that it ever has been.
“Skyfall” isn’t exactly Oscar material. It’s a great action movie that is made even better by the attempt to reach into Bond’s past and give the superficial spy a well rounded back story.
“Skyfall” Theatrical Trailer: